Supporting Social Innovation

What We Do

What is Social Innovation?

Social Innovation in research tackles the complex social problems impacting communities within Alberta in innovative ways.

Social innovation supported by the University of Alberta Senate:

Is research centred;
Brings together various interest holders (for example, community groups, social agencies, non-profits, researchers, industry, etc.);
Is community-led in collaboration with researchers and/or researcher-led in collaboration with communities;
Is multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary;
Creatively solves societal problems identified by distinct interest holders;
Identifies and implements holistic, sustainable, novel, and collaborative solutions;
Is translated/operationalized/utilized by interest holders; and
Aims to improve the lives of everyday people within the boundaries of this place we now call Alberta.

Zarina Somji Social Innovation Research Award

Launching October 5, 2026, the Senate is pleased to offer the Zarina Somji Social Innovation Research Award. The award recognizes and supports outstanding research that tackles complex social problems impacting communities within Alberta in innovative ways. The award reflects the commitment of the University of Alberta Senate to engage with Albertan communities and support their growth, development, and enhancement through innovative research that addresses the social problems a community is facing thereby driving social innovation. Providing support for research with community partners is critical to expanding community connections through enhanced outreach and fosters partnerships that will achieve greater impact in the long run. It is through innovative collaboration that the University of Alberta Senate connects with purpose.

Award Amount

The Zarina Somji Social Innovation Research Award, in the amount of $25,000, will be awarded annually to one successful applicant.

Eligibility

Open to Academic Faculty Members at the University of Alberta conducting innovative community-engaged research.

Qualifying research projects will:

Bring together various relevant interest holders related to the social problem being addressed (including but not limited to community groups, social agencies, non-profits, researchers, industry, etc.);
Be community led in collaboration with researchers and/or researcher led in collaboration with communities;
Be multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary (collaboration across Colleges and Faculties is encouraged);
Creatively address societal problems identified by community and/or interest holders;
Identify and implement holistic, sustainable, novel, and collaborative solutions;
Incorporate principles of community ownership of the projects data and findings, including adhering to The First Nations Principles of Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP), where applicable;
Be translated/operationalized/utilized by interest holders; and
Aim to improve the lives of everyday people within the boundaries of this place we now recognize as the province of Alberta.

Selection

The award will be adjudicated by a committee of three to five individuals, struck by the Office of the Chancellor and Senate and chaired by Dr. Carl Amrhein. The committee will include members with a background in social or community-led research, community development, social support programming, and members from the University’s research community who are suitably representative of the diversity that exists across the institution.

The Office of the Chancellor and Senate will confirm that the selected recipients are members of good standing in their Faculty prior to notification and will provide a formal notice of award to the recipient.

Application Process

Applications from researchers of all backgrounds and disciplines are welcome to apply, provided their research project meets the criteria outlined above. Applicants must demonstrate how the funds will be used to either implement the research project with the community group, extend the reach of the project, and/or enhance the community with which they are working. Research projects are expected to cover a two year period. Full details on application requirements can be found here. Any materials submitted that do not meet or exceed the requirements will not be considered by the adjudication committee.

If you require an alternate application format (eg: audio, video, graphic/animation, etc.), please contact the University of Alberta Office of the Chancellor and Senate at senate@ualberta.ca.

Please submit the application as a single PDF to the University of Alberta Office of the Chancellor and Senate at senate@ualberta.ca.

Timeline

The deadline for submissions is Monday, December 7, 2026 5:00PM.

Award Opens: October 5, 2026
Award Closes: December 7, 2026
Adjudication: January-February 2027
Award Announcement: Mid-March 2027

Senate Social Innovation Problems & Solutions Fair

On March 11, 2026, Senate hosted the Senate Social Innovation Problems & Solutions Fair where researchers engaging with community on a socially innovative research project could talk about their projects and connect with community group looking to find a researcher to engage on a problem they have identified. The format was short (3 min) research presentations from University researchers followed by the opportunity to connect informally about projects and ideas.

We also announced the launch of the Senate Social Innovation Research award designed to honour and recognize the great work U of A researchers are doing with community.

Check out the evening's program here!